Pavida Pananond
Thammasat University Professor
Pavida Pananond, PhD, is Professor of International Business at Thammasat Business School, Thammasat University.
Mega-merger risks Thai digital future
The Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group is on the move again to swell further in size, weight and power over the market. Having recently acquired Tesco's operations when the British retailer sold out and exited Thailand and Malaysia, CP is now aiming to consolidate its grip on the telecommunications industry in a planned merger between its True Corporation and Total Access Communications (DTAC), the local subsidiary of Norway's Telenor. If successful, the merger would reduce Thailand's major telecom players from three to two and further concentrate market dominance over the telecom market to the detriment of consumer choice and welfare.
Thai economy out of sync, out of sight?
The changing nature of globalisation, compounded by pandemic-induced disruptions require a rethink of Thailand's place and direction in the global economy. Already hampered by pre-Covid trends of global slowdown in trade and investment, the economy is facing tougher challenges as the pandemic has forced multinational companies to reconsider their supply chain configuration. The changing contours of the global economy on the one hand and ongoing political tensions at home that have delayed much-needed structural reforms on the other are becoming a perfect storm that could blow away Thailand's chances of maintaining its once central role in Southeast Asia's economic dynamism.
Minimising risks of vaccine inequality
That Thailand is in the midst of a fast-spreading third wave of Covid-19 infections while public vaccine procurement and rollout remain uncertain is indisputable, despite the government's reassurances otherwise.
Challenges of a post-virus recovery
Picking up the pieces and preparing for the future after the economic and social ravages wrought by the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic cannot start soon enough. For Thailand and Southeast Asia more broadly, pre-pandemic imperatives of economic upgrading for higher value-added jobs and industries are now compounded by new Covid-induced dilemmas of rising unemployment and labour abundance. Addressing this double whammy of economic challenges requires policy responses that are nuanced, fair and forward-looking in trying to achieve multiple objectives after the virus subsides.
Tesco buyout gives CP undue power
The recent announcement by Charoen Pokphand group to buy Tesco's operations in Thailand and Malaysia marks the retreat of Western retailers' presence.
Finding a place for Thailand's SMEs
Thailand's economy appears both odd and contradictory. On one hand, it continues to expand in the 3% range, an appealing growth trend by international standards. On the other hand, cursory and anecdotal evidence suggests the Thai economy is mired in a prolonged malaise.
Global headwinds
The Thai economy, is not tanking, despite its political circles and dead ends. But it should be doing better than subpar, and it may be slowing into a sputter.
Trade war's impact
The hope is that Thailand can reap the windfall from relocation of China-based multinationals - but all Asean economies hope for the same gains.
Trade war comes home
Positive benefits can be expected for agribusiness in Thailand but negative, indirect consequences of the China-US tariff war will be strongly felt.
Global investment prospects
Prosperity from global economic integration was once a shared goal among advanced and emerging economies, but this can no longer be taken for granted.
